Fighting Mold Without Bleach - Tea Tree Oil

Other gentle alternatives to bleach include full-strength white vinegar or a tea-tree oil solution. "Tea tree oil is my favorite mold-killer because it's such a broad-spectrum fungicide," says Annie Berthold-Bond, Healthy Living Editor at Care2.com and author of Clean and Green (Ceres Press, 1994) and Better Basics for the Home (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

Ms. Berthold-Bond mixes two teaspoons of tea-tree oil and two cups of water in a spray bottle, and then applies it directly to the surface, with no rinsing. Its very strong odor lingers for a few days, she told Well Journal, but "I've never had a mold problem that tea tree oil hasn't killed."

Take care when using essential oils, Ms. Berthold-Bond cautions, especially if you have allergies. "Keep them away from your eyes and skin," she says, and test your tolerance before applying to a large area of a room.

More NATURAL Homemade Cleaning Formulas HERE -- FREE!!

Natural Mold Killer - Grapefruit Seed Extract (Essential Oils)

Tea tree oil is known to be a great mold killer (and healthier for you and the environment than some of the harsh chemicals available!) In fact, this post from this very blog talked all about using tea tree (melaleuca) oil to battle mold problems: Tea Tree Oil for Mold Treatment

But, now we're on to another natural mold killing agent, and that is grapefruit seed extract/oil. This essential oil is extracted from the seeds of grapefruits, and has many amazing properties, including many health benefits. But, for our discussion today, we'll focus in on how to use grapefruit seed extract (often shortened to GSE) to destroy mold.

Mix 5 - 10 drops to a 16 ounce spray bottle and mix well. Spray liberally and scrub well on areas of mold.

Finding GSE in Your Local Area: call around to health food stores, which are the most likely place you'll find grapefruit seed extract. Natural health practioners will also be a good source of information on where to get GSE. Online sources are plentiful - so if you can't find any of this lovely stuff locally, just order some online.